If you are someone who is looking for an ‘enthusiast-friendly’ SUV, this article is for you. Here, we will list out five turbo-petrol SUVs that enthusiasts would be happy to own. And the best part? You wouldn’t have to spend a fortune to buy these. All these have their respective ex-showroom prices under Rs 15 lakh.
Tata Motors launched the facelifted Punch in January this year. Surprisingly, it saw the addition of a new turbocharged petrol engine. This Nexon-borrowed 1.2L turbo-petrol makes 118hp and 170Nm. It comes with a water-cooled turbocharger and has high power density. Peak torque can be accessed in the range of 1750-4000 rpms. It is only offered with a six-speed manual transmission. The turbo-petrol version of Punch does the 0-100 kph sprint in just 11.1 seconds.
The new Punch is available in six trims- Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished, and the range-topping Accomplished+ S. The turbo-petrol engine, however, is reserved for the higher trims (Adventure and above). The new Punch comes packed with safety features and has also scored 5 stars in Bharat NCAP crash tests.
Price: Rs 8.29 lakh- Rs 9.79 lakh
Many say it is the spiritual successor to the Volkswagen Polo, the Skoda Kylaq is quite fun to drive. It has a peppy engine, great response and good road manners. In a way, it prioritises driving dynamics. The steering feels quick and despite being a small SUV with a tall ground clearance, the Kylaq’s dynamics feel balanced.
Built on the MQB A0 IN platform, it uses a 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 113hp and 178Nm. That’s the same engine that powers the lower trims of Skoda Kushaq and several other Volkswagen Group models. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and six-speed torque converter automatic.
This SUV comes equipped with features like an electric sunroof, digital instrument cluster, reverse camera, cruise control, wireless charger, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. It excels even on the safety front and holds a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
At the time of writing, six trims are available on the Kylaq- Classic, Classic+, Signature, Signature+, Prestige and Prestige+. These start at Rs 7.59 lakh and go up to Rs 12.99 lakh, both ex-showroom.
Price: Rs 7.59 lakh- Rs 12.99 lakh
Kia offers a 1.0L turbocharged petrol on the Sonet. This engine makes 118hp and 172Nm, and is offered with an iMT (clutchless manual) and DCT automatic transmission. It is available on the HTK, HTK (O), HTK+, HTK+ (O), HTX, GTX Plus and X-Line trims. All of these have their ex-showroom prices under Rs 15 lakh.
The Sonet’s suspension is set slightly on the firmer side, and this in a way, improves the way it drives. It may not be as fun to drive as a Kylaq, but still worth considering.
Price: Rs 8.79 lakh- Rs 13.65 lakh
The Mahindra XUV 3XO would please the enthusiasts with its performance and dynamics. It has a multitude of trims on offer, all of which sit in the Rs 7.37- Rs 14.55 lakh price range. The lower trims get a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, with the option of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, capable of producing 111hp.
AX5L and higher trims are powered by a direct injection turbo-petrol engine, capable of producing 131hp. It is available with a 6-speed torque converter automatic and 6-speed manual transmission. The direct injection engine delivers stronger performance. This SUV has also scored five stars in Bharat NCAP crash tests.
Price: Rs 7.37 lakh - Rs 14.55 lakh
The new Duster comes with two engine options- a 1.0L turbocharged petrol and a 1.3L turbocharged petrol, making 98hp and 160hp respectively. The bigger engine delivers strong performance and the Duster will please enthusiasts with its sharp handling. Despite having a ground clearance of 212mm, you can have fun with this SUV on twisty roads, carrying speed.
The new Duster comes in five broad trims- Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+, and Iconic. The bigger engine is available from the Evolution trim onwards. In other words, it has a starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh, ex-showroom. For under 15 lakh ex-showroom, you’ll get the Evolution and Techno trims, with the option of a wet-clutch DCT automatic on the lower trim. That is indeed an interesting proposition.
Price: Rs 12.99 lakh- Rs 14.69 lakh